Synths with Sequencers

[Reverend Sunrise]

Hola. Currently I use a Pro One, Wurlitzer, Nord Electro 3, and occasionally a Model D in my live set-up. I'd like to incorporate some sequenced synth action into things and "mechanize" s**t a bit, while obtaining some quality polyphonic sounds as well. I've owned some VA's in the past and really only have experience, albeit limited, with sequencing on the Andromeda I owned several years ago. Not so much my forte, but as I mentioned above, I'd like to get down with some sequencing again and buy a synth in the $700-$800 range that can do so. I've searched on the web and on VSE and it seems as if the Radias might be a good option. I can't get a real clear-cut idea about it's sequencing power, but I like its sound and vibe. I was wondering if any of you good folks could offer some insights into the Radias and/or some other possible options regarding synths with sequencing capabilities. I'm open to VA's, romplers, new, old, whatever....Thanks for your sweet buttermilk time.

[meatballfulton]

When you say "sequencing" I assume you mean step sequencing?

The Radias has two 32 step sequencers which can be used independently or chained for a single 64 step sequence. The two sequencers are shared amongst up to four timbres per patch. The timbres can be used for layering or splits, but if you want to use them as four independent synths, then only two can be sequenced. Each step can trigger up to 4 notes so you're not restricted to single note lines. The two sequences need not share the same length, step size or even the tempo (sick). A sequence can trigger 1, 2, 3 or all of the timbres in the patch which allows playing some timbres from the keys while others are sequenced (in fact you could have both sequencers going).

Each timbre also has three modulation sequencers (total of 12 across the four timbres). You can assign one of the 3 to map to pitch of the timbre which will give monophonic step sequence-like effects, or you can use any or all of them to modulate synth params while the step sequencer(s) play the notes.

Both the step and mod sequencers can be edited while they are playing! Pitch can be fixed (good for drums) transposed by playing the keyboard. You have the usual trigger options (free running, gated by holding keys down, one step playing every time you hit a key, etc.) Sequence data is stored with each patch and you can copy just the sequence data to other patches. The supplied patch editor software also allows you to edit sequences in fine detail on your computer.

If you want to go insane with step sequencing, the Radias is an excellent choice.

[edfunction]

monomachine has a pretty excellent sequencer and six synth parts. plus six more midi sequence parts.
should be able to get one at that price 2nd hand if you look hard...

[RD9]

The Radias sequencer is easy to learn and use and it's quite capable. I highly recommend it for simple sequencing needs. In each 'program' you can use the arpeggiator PLUS up to 64 steps (two chainable patterns of up to 32-steps each), which is quite a lot. You can trigger the two patterns independently also.

But it still isn't like a dedicated sequencer since you can't put together complete songs. But you can trigger the sequences at any time and you have the option of transposing them on the fly.

It requires a bit of LCD menu traversing to program every parameter of the sequences, but it's pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it. Plus, you can step-record just like the old-style sequencers which is really nice. Simple as that is, I think it's my favorite feature.

On the flipside you have the EMX-1 which is 'more' sequencer, and 'less' synth.

[Reverend Sunrise]

Thanks for your responses. I guess I was referring to step sequencing, although even after reading about sequencers and using the step sequencer on the Andromeda briefly, I'm not at all really versed in the practice as I am say subtractive synthesis or whatever. The drummer in my band programs beats and percussive sequences via a MPC2000xl on some of our songs, and I guess I wanted to save and use multiple synth sequences on some kind of keyboard with a sequencer for several tracks live. The Radias sounds pretty cool and maybe do-able for my pedestrian a*s with some practice and tweaking, but from what you guys said it doesn't really save songs. It would be possible then to trigger sequences and arpeggios during the course of the song, but not for the duration of an entire song or muliple songs I guess? That could be a limitation for what I'm trying to do, so would I have some options as far as sequencing goes with reasonably-priced hardware units that could save and be programmed for multiple songs? I don't really want to go the laptop route. I really appreciate your thoughts!

[RD9]

Thanks for your responses. I guess I was referring to step sequencing, although even after reading about sequencers and using the step sequencer on the Andromeda briefly, I'm not at all really versed in the practice as I am say subtractive synthesis or whatever. The drummer in my band programs beats and percussive sequences via a MPC2000xl on some of our songs, and I guess I wanted to save and use multiple synth sequences on some kind of keyboard with a sequencer for several tracks live. The Radias sounds pretty cool and maybe do-able for my pedestrian a*s with some practice and tweaking, but from what you guys said it doesn't really save songs. It would be possible then to trigger sequences and arpeggios during the course of the song, but not for the duration of an entire song or muliple songs I guess? That could be a limitation for what I'm trying to do, so would I have some options as far as sequencing goes with reasonably-priced hardware units that could save and be programmed for multiple songs? I don't really want to go the laptop route. I really appreciate your thoughts!

Yes, you can trigger sequences and arpeggios as you need them. There is also a 'latch' option, so you can press a key once and it can loop indefinitely until you tell it to stop, or you can also hold a key down and let go when you want it to stop. You're limited to 2 patterns + 1 arpeggio per program. Depending on how you write your songs, you might need more pattern variations which means you might need something more powerful.

If you want to just press one button and have the sequencer play many different patterns automatically (and have a synth or sampler included), you're better off getting a dedicated machine like a Korg or Roland groovebox. The EMX-1's are pretty affordable used. And much cheaper than the Radias. The synth is not as good on it, but you can chain up to 256 patterns per song. There is a 128 step limit for each part though (there are 12 parts -- 7 drum parts, 5 synth parts). So, there's still a limit. One nice feature is that if you don't need to store the song, you can actually do real-time pattern playing and call up each pattern as you need them through the 16 step buttons.